Life is BUSY

Though life has been busy, it's been really good.  Here's what we've been up to:

Bennett:

• Finished Little Hooper's Basketball, which he really enjoyed.
• Spring Break!!!  We visited my mom for a few days at the coast and it was a lot of fun. Then, Bennett and I spent the day together on Thursday.  We went out to lunch, to Toys-R-Us, and to Sports Authority.
• We got his report card last week and he's improved in so many areas.  His teacher said that he is more engaged in his school work.  Go Bennett!
• April 1st was the first day of T-ball.  Bennett really, really likes it.  He was excited to get a mitt and wear cleats, but as it turns out, he's doing a fantastic job.  He pays attention most of the time and is excited to go to practice (most days).

Nolan:

• "Where's my mitt?"  I can't tell you how many times we heard this from Nolan.  He was super jealous about Bennett having a T-ball mitt .  We got him one yesterday because he couldn't wait for his birthday.
• He is really enjoying the trips to Bennett's practices because he gets to play on the playground, take walks, and be loud.  Last night, he took me on an "adventure", where we tried to avoid scary stuff.  
• He is doing a lot better behaviorally at school, which is a huge relief.  He's listening a lot better, which makes things easier on the teachers.

Both boys are loving their new bunk beds, thanks to my mom.  They love that they can play in the "fort" when we put up a blanket.  Even Otis gets in on the action and comes up for some cuddles in the fort.  

Otis and Blaze:

• Otis is now 1!  Time is flying by with our crazy guy.
• Blaze - same old cranky pants, but he still loves some lap cuddles.

Justin and Aubree:

• On April 16th, we will be celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary.  This Friday, April 11, will mark 10 years since Justin proposed.  
• We are taking our annual weekend trip to the trailer to do some chores and relax.  No kids or dogs!  Thank you Laura!
• Speaking of trailers, we're hoping to buy a bigger one.  28 feet is not enough for all of us.  We need more room!  

Picture dump!!!

Nolan enjoying some sunny weather.

Fun at Grandma Karen's house

Bennett loved the double swing.

The boys made a "fort" at Grandmas house.  

Yes, more Legos.....

Happy Birthday, Otis!

First T-ball practice.  

Nolan is truly the crazy one.  

Nolan trying to get in on the T-ball action.

Babies and Basketball

My new nephew, Noah James Duncan, was born 2/18/14 7lb, 2oz and 21 inches long.  He's absolutely perfect.

Just a couple of hours old.

 Noah and his Aunt Laura snuggling.

Mollie and Noah.  He was a little fussy at this point.

Bennett and Noah.  To say that Bennett really likes his new cousin is 

an understatement.  He absolutely adores baby Noah.

It's hard to take a good picture, but you get the idea.  3 on 3 for Kindergartners.  It's a bit chaotic, but they have a blast.  I can see how much their skills have improved in just a few weeks.  Amazing!

SNOW!!!!

So, yeah, we finally got some snow.  It's been about 5 years since we had enough snow to go out and play in.  To say the boys loved it is an understatement.    Lots of playing, hot chocolate, and way too much time cooped up (I'm glad to be back at work!) and we're back to normal after 4-5 days of chaos.

Boys and Dogs

Why yes, this post includes pictures of Storm and Otis.  Shocker, isn't it?  Well, the cuteness is too much for me to keep all to myself, so I feel like it's only fair that I share.  We have been lucky to watch Storm quite a bit this month so far.  I can only hope that Otis turns out as wonderful as she has.

Bennett LOVES storm.  He makes sure to get some good

cuddles in when she comes to visit.

Otis and Storm, sharing Otis' bed.  Most of the time, Storm

hogs it.  Don't be fooled.

And here's Nonie getting some Otis cuddles.